Scouts from Swansea City and Hull City were among those watching Friday night’s impressive 2-0 win at a stormy Fleetwood, with some sources suggesting they were checking on top-scorer, Dion Charles.
Evatt has planned for every outcome in the coming weeks and believes his club will be able to resists all but the most outlandish bids for the players who have kept them on course for automatic promotion in League One.
When asked about the focus on 16-goal top-scorer Charles, the Bolton manager replied, “Yeah, good luck with that!”
“We are extremely ambitious, and we know that in order to achieve those ambitions, we must retain our best players.””Listen, if someone comes to us with a fortune, we will always try to make the best decision for Bolton Wanderers; that’s just how we are.” Player trade is an important aspect in football.
“But we are not afraid in any way of that. We are well-prepared, we know what we need to do, we know the squad we have is strong, and we are striving for more improvement.”
Charles was linked with Watford and Stoke City throughout the summer, but he signed a new contract with the Toughsheet in August, tying him to the club until 2026.
He has scored 27 goals in 2023, the most since the great John McGinlay, who had 31 in 1994 and 28 the previous year.
Evatt is confident that the Northern Ireland international can continue to improve in a squad that is only beginning to reach its full potential.
“Dion is a top player for this level,” that’s what he claimed. “He’s learning more about his game and how to do more than one thing.” He’s so strong, he keeps ticking off the minutes and games.
“George Thomason is the same – the way they look after themselves, they are relentless.
“Being a manager the most important thing with any of your players is a consistency of performance and behaviour. I think we are getting that from a lot of the squad now.”
Wanderers host Burton this afternoon hoping to make it four out of four over the festive period.
Asked what he wanted to see on Monday, Evatt added: “I would like this storm to bugger off!
“It is very challenging to play football in this weather. But in this block of fixtures we have one more game before we have a little bit of time to enjoy the FA Cup and hopefully go to a Premier League team and enjoy the experience.
“We have one more game to win, and we are fully focussed.
“Santa has been good to me this year. I have been a very good boy!
“It’s hard work – and for clubs our size and stature, it’s critical that when you face adversity or a negative result or two, you just stick together as a whole club.”
“We’ve been disappointed with our five losses this season, but that doesn’t mean we’re going to blow up internally.” We must remain strong, support the players, and support one another.
“The fans have been incredible, but how we deal with the negatives will define our season, not games like that (Fleetwood).”
“I believe in this group of players, and I believe we can accomplish our goals.” That is something that everyone must do now.”
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